New York Solar Incentives — Complete Guide
New York State Income Tax Credit — Form IT-255
New York offers a state income tax credit worth 25% of the cost of your solar energy system, up to a maximum of $5,000.
How It Works
- Credit is non-refundable — can only offset existing New York State income tax liability
- If full credit cannot be used in year of installation, unused amounts can be carried forward for up to five tax years
How to Claim
Complete Form IT-255 and attach it to your New York State income tax return for the year your system is placed in service.
Form: tax.ny.gov
NYSERDA Residential Energy Storage Incentive
New York State, through NYSERDA, offers upfront cash incentives for homeowners who install battery storage systems.
Incentive Levels
Incentive levels are structured as $/kWh of installed capacity and vary by utility territory:
| Territory | Incentive (2025) |
|---|---|
| Rest of State (most Venture Home customers) | ~$200/kWh |
| Con Edison territory (NYC and Westchester) | ~$250/kWh |
How It Works
- Incentives are paid directly to your installing contractor (Venture Home)
- Reflected in your project pricing
- Available capacity funded in megawatt-hour blocks on first-come, first-served basis
Learn more: nyserda.ny.gov/energystorage
NYC Solar Property Tax Abatement (Form PTA-4)
New York City only — one of the most generous local solar incentives in the country.
Key Details
- Value: 30% of total eligible solar and battery installation costs
- Applied over 4 consecutive years at 7.5% per year
- Annual cap: $62,500 per year (or your actual property tax liability, whichever is lower)
- Eligible properties: Tax Class 1, 2, and 4 NYC properties through December 31, 2034
- Applies to: Both solar panels and battery storage installed simultaneously
Learn more: nyc.gov/site/buildings/codes/solar-faq.page
Statewide Property Tax Exemption
New York State law (Real Property Tax Law § 487) exempts the added value of solar, wind, and other renewable energy systems from property tax assessments statewide.
Your solar installation may increase your home's market value — that increase will not raise your property taxes.
This exemption is automatic statewide and does not require a separate application.
⚠️ Note: In NYC, the property tax abatement (above) is the applicable benefit and cannot be combined with the statewide exemption.
Sales Tax Exemption
Solar energy equipment and installation services are exempt from New York State and local sales and use tax.
No action required — the exemption is applied automatically at the point of purchase.
Quick Summary
| Incentive | Value | How to Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Credit | 25% up to $5,000 | Form IT-255 |
| NYSERDA Battery | ~$200-250/kWh | Automatic in pricing |
| NYC Tax Abatement | 30% over 4 years | Form PTA-4 (NYC only) |
| Property Tax Exemption | Full exemption | Automatic |
| Sales Tax Exemption | Full exemption | At purchase |
Questions? Contact Customer Success at 800-203-4158.